What is ODTK and how is it related to STK?

Great question! The Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) is a software suite designed for orbit determination and estimation. It is used to process tracking data and estimate the orbits of satellites and other space objects. ODTK can handle a variety of tracking data types and provides high-precision orbit determination capabilities.

ODTK is closely related to STK in that both are developed by AGI and are often used together in space mission analysis and operations. While STK is primarily used for mission planning, simulation, and visualization, ODTK focuses on the precise determination of satellite orbits using real tracking data.

Here’s how they typically integrate:

1. ODTK to STK: Send ODTK results to STK 
   1. You can import orbit determination results from ODTK into STK for further analysis and visualization.
   2. This includes most the Ephemeris with Covariance.
   3. There is a Utility in ODTK called RunSTK.html which moves data from ODTK to STK. 
   4. This can be used to calibrate your maneuvers. It compares the 'as-planned' versus 'as-executed'
2. STK to ODTK: You can import your Mission Plans into ODTK. 
   1. Use STK to create scenarios and plan your missions. This includes full maneuver strategy as well as the tracking sites. 
   2. Then in ODTK you can ingest the satellites with the maneuvers and tracking site into ODTK. 
   3. This can be used  to simulate the expected OD Accuracy and also it can be used in Operations.
      
3. During Operations: STK and ODTK work together in many operational systems passing data back and forth.

Note: Besides the ODTK to STK script there are minimal connections between the tools. LSAS is building more tools to support STK to ODTK integration. Please stay tuned for this. 

-Alex